MRI Technologist
Salary

MRI Technologists in the United States can expect to earn an average of $29.29 per hour. Pay ranges from $22.28 per hour on the low end to $38.88 on the high end. Residence is the biggest factor affecting pay for this group, followed by years of experience and the particular employer. Job satisfaction for MRI Technologists is high. Female MRI Technologists survey participants are more prevalent than men — 60 percent of professionals. A fair number report receiving medical coverage from their employers and the greater part collect dental insurance. The data in this summary comes from the PayScale salary survey.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for MRI Technologist

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, creates images of soft tissue and organ systems for use by health care professionals. The MRI technologist operates the machines used in creating these detailed images. They work alongside other healthcare professionals to assist them and the patient in creating useful scans with which doctors can make assessments and develop a treatment strategy. An MRI technologist must possess not only the technical knowledge to operate the machinery, but also needs to know techniques to situate the patient so scans are most useful to physicians and specialists. MRI technologist must have an excellent bedside manner with patients of all ages; if the technologist is assigned to a particular age group, they may need to have particular skills interacting with that demographic.

Additionally, the MRI technologist is in charge of keeping the equipment clean, as well as conducting regular assessments of equipment and documenting that it is in working order. Any supplies necessary for machine operation must remained stocked by the technologist as well.

MRI technologists generally need vocational or technical school training in the field; he or she then needs to pass a certification in one or more areas before a hospital or clinic will consider an applicant. In many cases, MRI technologists work during regular business hours hours, but in some larger facilities, techologists work a variety of day and evening shifts.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist Job Listings

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Popular Skills for MRI Technologist

This chart shows the most popular skills for this job and what effect each skill has on pay.

MRI Technologists who responded to the survey indicated only a few skills that they use on the job. Those who have experience with Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, and Radiology can expect to be compensated well for these skills. Skills that pay less than market rate include Radiology. Those educated in Magnetic Resonance Imaging tend to be well versed in Computed Tomography (CT).

Pay by Experience Level for MRI Technologist

Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.

For MRI Technologists, level of experience appears to be a somewhat less important part of the salary calculation — more experience does not correlate to noticeably higher pay. Survey participants with less than five years' experience pocket $54K on average, but those with five to 10 years of experience enjoy a much bigger median of $60K. After working for 10 to 20 years, MRI Technologists make a median salary of $66K. Veterans who have surpassed the 20-year mark may make only slightly more than those who are navigating the mid-career stage; the more senior group reports median earnings of around $71K.

Pay Difference by Location

For MRI Technologists, working in the bustling city of San Diego has its advantages, including an above-average pay rate. MRI Technologists will also find cushy salaries in Seattle (+24 percent), New York (+19 percent), Dallas (+17 percent), and Chicago (+15 percent). The Midwest is anything but the land of opportunity for MRI Technologists. The region is home to the three lowest-paying cities in the field, with Kansas City, Columbus, and St. Louis all offering salaries below the national rate. Two other places where employers offer below-median salaries are Columbus (13 percent less) and St. Louis (11 percent less).